Google announced that it added VMware’s Cofounder and former CEO Diane Greene to its board of directors, which becomes effective today. Google’s Executive Chairman and former CEO Eric Schmidt said, “Diane is a special person who combines a sharp business acumen with a brilliant technical mind. We know she will be a great contributor and we are grateful to have her insight.” Greene will also serve on Google’s Audit Committee.

After founding the company, Greene was the CEO of VMware from 1998 to 2008 until she was fired from the job and replaced on VMware’s board of directors. Greene knows her way around Silicon Valley, having taken part in many companies in the area.

You can read Google’s full statement after the break:

Full statement:

An experienced entrepreneur, technological innovator, and corporate executive with more than three decades of experience, Greene will also serve on Google’s Audit Committee. Her appointment is effective January 12, 2012.

“Diane is a special person who combines a sharp business acumen with a brilliant technical mind,” said Eric Schmidt, executive chairman of Google. “We know she will be a great contributor and we are grateful to have her insight.”

“Google is an asset to society because of its relentless focus on improving users’ lives through pioneering technology, and it is also a standout growing business,” said Greene. “It is incredibly exciting to have the opportunity to support this as a board member.”

Greene, 56, has been a member of the board of directors of Intuit Inc. since August 2006. Greene co-founded VMware, Inc. in 1998 and took the company public in 2007. She served as Chief Executive Officer and President of VMware from 1998 to 2008, as a member of the board of directors of VMware from 2007 to 2008, and as an Executive Vice President of EMC Corporation from 2005 to 2008.